Residents threaten legal action against developers

Mar 5 2009 By Adam Courtney

Water builds up outside the Rodd Industrial Estate

Residents of Gaston Way in Shepperton are considering legal action against a housing developer who they accuse of 'blunders' including cutting through a watermain.

People living close to the former Rodd Industrial Estate in Gaston Way say Persimmon Homes, which has been building new homes at the site for two years, has left them without water and electricity on different occasions.

In a recent incident, workers cut through a water main and flooded the road and residents say they've not received so much as an apology.

One woman seeking legal advice, who didn't want to be named, said: "They don't seem to give a damn. It was like a river in Gaston Way and the water flowed all the way round to Catlin Crescent - you needed wellies to walk through it."

The flooding, which occurred last month, came just a few weeks after 26 homes were left without electricity for about 24 hours when cables were cut by a digger.

Residents claim electric was also cut off in September and they lost water supplies in January last year when workmen went through cables and some are trying to claim compensation.

Another resident said: "I sent them an email on February 6 and all they've done is procrastinate. There are older people and children living here and the problems just go on and on - it's ludicrous.

"Two years ago they made a promise to erect new garden fences to all the houses is Gaston Way that back onto the site, but nothing's happened. The whole things has been really shoddy."

Managing director of Persimmon Homes South East, Edward Owens, said the company was aware of the issues residents have "encountered".

He added: "We would like to offer our apologies and sympathy to those who have been inconvenienced. Over the last few years, we have invested heavily in customer care and continue to do so.

"We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to addressing residents' issues and, where appropriate, will review our procedures to ensure customer care and quality continue to be afforded the priority our homeowners both expect and deserve."